We encourage creativity and want you to enjoy your experience of HotaruCon. The following guidelines are to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all HotaruCon attendees.
If your cosplay has a large prop or a prop weapon, please bring it to the Ops Desk to be safety checked by a committee member before heading onto the show floor. You’ll receive a token to show that your prop has been cleared. If your prop doesn't pass the safety test, we may ask that you return it to your room, or leave it at Ops to be collected later. If your cosplay breaks the rules below you may be asked to leave the event floor until you've changed
Props, including replica or fantasy weapons:
Permitted within reason
- Plastic or foam construction - if using a wooden core, it must be securely covered and light enough that the prop doesn't become a blunt weapon.
- All props must have rounded, blunted, or padded edges. Prop bows, etc. must be untensionable. Prop firearms must have absolutely no functioning internals.
- Replica firearms with a brightly coloured safety tip are permitted within the event for the purposes of photographs only. All replica firearms must be checked at the Ops Desk ASAP, regardless of size or tip colour. You must not carry replica firearms outside of the event space - safety tips can be missed at a distance, and you do not want to be dealing with an armed police response. Don't brandish replica firearms or point them at other attendees outside of posing for photographs.
Not permitted
- Weapons made of wood or metal
- Props that produce fire or open flames
- Props that project water or chemicals
- Projectile weapons capable of holding tension
- Firearms, airsoft rifles or artillery
- Ammunition that can be fired by the above
Cosplays, costumes, outfits and accessories:
Permitted within reason
- Your cosplay's total dimensions must not exceed 2m in any direction, unless that portion of the costume can be collapsed to within 2m (e.g. wings). Please keep your costume collapsed in all event spaces or remove larger pieces before heading onto the show floor. This is especially important in busy panels or main hall shows, as well as when browsing vendor rooms.
- If your costume reduces your visibility or mobility, or has bulky elements, please ensure you have at least one handler with you at all times to guide you. If you are taking part in our Cosplay Masquerade or Firefly Lounge and have reduced visibility or mobility, please tick the appropriate box on the form when applying so that we can provide assistance.
- Ensure there are no sharp edges or loose pieces protruding from your costume that may injure others, or cause a tripping hazard.
- Please remember that 'tactical gear' cosplays can alarm members of the public, so we recommend not wearing full kit outside of event spaces.
Not permitted
- Costumes must not include symbols, emblems, insignias, flags, imagery or sound associated with organisations responsible for, or associated with, crimes against humanity. Please be considerate of real-life conflicts or current affairs.
- Makeup, body paint, prosthetics and/or forms of body alteration to depict a real life race is not condoned or necessary.
- Costumes should provide enough coverage to be worn in public and not violate the laws of public indecency in the UK. This is an 18+ event, but that doesn't mean that other attendees have consented to seeing your 'personal business'.
If you are in any doubt contact us to check and a member of our team will get back to you